Chuck’s Barley-Mushroom Winter Borscht (Vegan or Lacto)

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Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A hearty, rustic stew blending earthy mushrooms and chewy barley for a comforting winter meal
Chuck's Barley-Mushroom Winter Borscht (Vegan or Lacto recipe image
Chuck's Barley-Mushroom Winter Borscht (Vegan or Lacto recipe image
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Chuck’s Barley-Mushroom Winter Borscht (Vegan or Lacto)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 83.1

Description

This robust winter stew combines the chewy texture of pearl barley with the earthy depth of mushrooms and split beans. Inspired by a fusion of Eastern European heartiness and Japanese umami, the dish features a savory broth enriched with miso and tamari. Root vegetables like turnips and carrots soften into the mix, providing natural sweetness that balances the salty, fermented notes. It is a perfect comfort food for cold evenings, offering a satisfying, plant-based meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The flavors deepen significantly if prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add barley, split lima beans, brown lentils, peas, miso paste, and water to the pot. Stir well to dissolve the miso.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Add cubed turnips (or parsnips/potatoes) and sliced carrots. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. If using broccoli stems, peel and slice them, then add them to the pot along with shredded cabbage about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
  6. Add sliced mushrooms, pepper, marjoram, rosemary, and tamari. Stir to combine and continue simmering for another hour, or until the barley and beans are tender.
  7. Stir in unsalted butter or margarine if using. Let the soup sit off heat for 5 minutes to allow the fat to incorporate, creating a richer texture.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the soup has thickened too much upon reheating, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 83.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.3g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 3.6mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 18.9g7%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g13%
Sugars 1.5g
Protein 1.9g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: barley, mushrooms, borscht, stew, winter, vegan, comfort food, root vegetables, turnips, carrots, miso, tamari, hearty, plant-based, slow-cooked, rustic, umami, lima beans, garlic, onion
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